Nature of Qualitative Research

Summary

Dr. Ashford Kerr discusses the guidelines for submitting research proposals for ethics review, specifically in qualitative research. He emphasizes the importance of the Research Ethics Board (REB) in ensuring ethical standards are met before research begins, including pilot studies. While certain preliminary activities, like note-taking or casual observation, may not require REB review, researchers must seek approval for any data used in formal studies. The video also highlights privacy, confidentiality, and consent considerations, especially for covert or naturalistic studies, and outlines the process for revising research designs during the study. Overall, it underscores the necessity of careful ethical review throughout the research process.

Takeaways

• 😀 REB approval is necessary for research proposals, including pilot studies, before beginning recruitment, data collection, or accessing data.
• 😀 Initial exploratory phases such as feasibility discussions and community engagement do not require REB review, as long as the data isn't used in the formal study.
• 😀 Research activities like note-taking, diary writing, or casual observation during preliminary phases are exempt from REB review unless included in the formal study.
• 😀 Researchers must include their intention to use preliminary data in their proposal and seek consent from involved participants if the data will be used formally.
• 😀 Early dialogue with communities is important in qualitative research, helping to refine research approaches and address community concerns.
• 😀 For studies involving participant observation without prior consent, researchers must demonstrate measures to protect participants' privacy and confidentiality to the REB.
• 😀 In covert research (e.g., observing behaviors without participants' knowledge), researchers can request an exemption from the usual consent requirements due to the sensitive nature of the study.
• 😀 REB reviews should be updated if any changes to the research design significantly alter risk levels or affect participant welfare.
• 😀 Qualitative research often uses emergent designs, meaning that methods and data sources can evolve over time, and researchers should provide as much detail as possible at the outset.
• 😀 For further details on consent, privacy, and confidentiality, researchers should consult Chapters 3 and 5 of the ethical guidelines.

Q & A

What is the role of the Research Ethics Board (REB) in the research proposal process?

The REB ensures that all research proposals meet ethical standards before researchers begin recruitment, data collection, or access to data. This includes reviewing and approving research proposals, including those for pilot studies, to ensure ethical acceptability.

Are there any exceptions to the requirement of REB approval for research proposals?

Yes, Article 10.5 outlines exceptions for initial exploratory phases, such as discussions on feasibility or the development of research partnerships. These activities do not require REB review, provided they are not part of the formal study.

What are the preliminary activities that do not require REB review?

Preliminary activities such as note-taking, diary writing, or casual observation, which occur during the initial exploratory phase of a study, do not require REB review, unless the data collected during this phase is later used in the formal study.

What must researchers do if they decide to use data collected during the preliminary phase in their formal study?

If researchers wish to use data from the preliminary phase, they must include this intention in their research proposal and seek consent from those involved.

How does the REB view the importance of community engagement in qualitative research?

The REB acknowledges the importance of early dialogue with communities to build relationships, refine research approaches, and address community concerns. Although this phase does not require formal REB review, it is vital for the research design.

What is the REB's stance on privacy and confidentiality in naturalistic or participant observation studies?

For studies involving naturalistic or participant observation where consent is not sought, researchers must demonstrate to the REB that adequate measures to protect privacy and confidentiality are in place.

What is an example of a research study where covert observation may be necessary, and how does the REB handle it?

Covert observation may be necessary in studies exploring criminal behaviors or restricted groups, where informing participants about being observed could compromise the research. In these cases, researchers can request an exemption from prior consent requirements, and the REB ensures ethical standards are upheld.

How does the REB handle changes to the research design during the study?

If changes to the research design significantly alter the risk level or affect participant welfare, additional REB review and approval are required. However, if the changes do not affect the risk level, further review may not be necessary.

What kind of information should researchers provide to the REB at the outset of the study?

Researchers should provide as much information as possible, including draft questionnaires or interview guides. However, final versions of these materials may change based on what emerges during the research.

Where can researchers find more information on consent, privacy, and confidentiality in qualitative research?

Researchers can consult Chapters 3 and 5 of the research guidelines for more detailed information on consent, privacy, and confidentiality considerations in qualitative research.